The UAAP Season 85 men’s table tennis Most Valuable Player (MVP), Alvin Sevilla, has opted to remain with the UST Tiger Paddlers for his final year of eligibility in Season 86.
Sevilla made his commitment official on Sept. 14.
The Tiger Paddlers’ team captain said he wanted to help UST clinch its fourth straight championship, a feat it last accomplished from 2002 to 2005.
“Meron pa akong misyon, meron pa akong maitutulong sa team sa natitira ko pang playing year,” Sevilla told the Varsitarian. “Mindset ko is talaga i-defend yung championship and mapakita ko sa teammates ko, sa coaches, sa mga alumni, and sa buong University na ibibigay namin lahat sa tournament.”
Sevilla completed his degree in fitness and sports management in June. He is pursuing a master’s degree in education with a major in educational management and leadership at the UST Graduate School.
“Hindi ako nag-enroll para lang maglaro; it’s all about career na,” he said. “Ima-maximize ko ‘tong time na ito hindi lang sa paglalaro kundi sa pag-aaral ko. Ite-take ko ‘yung opportunity na ito para mapalawak pa ‘yung credentials ko.”
“Itong time na ‘to, sa paglalaro ko sa UAAP, ibibigay ko talaga lahat. Buong lakas ko, buong puso ko, ibibigay ko para sa team,” he added.
The Tiger Paddlers saw the departures of key veterans Prince Garcia and Odree Maldia.
Former Rookie of the Year (ROTY) John Castro, who completed his degree in business administration, will also bolster UST’s lineup for this season.
Head coach Jackson Que said Castro and Sevilla’s veteran experience and leadership would be crucial assets for the team’s title defense in Season 86.
“In terms of maturity, sa pag-iisip at sa paglalaro, talagang malaking difference kasi nandito sila sa team natin before pandemic,” Que told the Varsitarian. “‘Yung pag-stay nila, nakaka-help sa mga bagong pumasok kasi malaki ‘yung difference ng outlook nila.”
The Tiger Paddlers will kickstart their Season 86 campaign on Nov. 9 at the Amoranto Sports Complex in Quezon City.
